No major-four Washington DC-area team has advanced to a Conference Final since the Washington Capitals Stanley Cup Final run during the 1997-98 season. Since then, according to WTOP’s Ben Raby, the Redskins, Nationals, Wizards and Caps have combined to lose 13 consecutive games when a spot in the semis has been on the line. It’s the longest active streak in sports.

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“Just get behind us, please,” Trotz said. “That’s all I ask. We’re the ones playing. Trust me. I can tell you there’s not a player, a coach, a trainer, ownership, GM who is not trying to do everything they can to win this series. Trust me. We’re trying as hard as we can and at the end of the day that’s all we can promise. Get behind us, help push us forward, and we’re going to give you our best.”

Monday night, the Capitals, who hold a 3-2 series lead over Pittsburgh, will have their first opportunity to eliminate the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. The Capitals are 0-6 when one win away from the third round since 1998.

The Capitals are also 1-9 all-time versus the Penguins in postseason series. The Caps have fallen to the Pens in the second round twice in a row as Pittsburgh has gone on to win consecutive Stanley Cups.